In this powerful episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó expands on a key idea raised in last week’s conversation about grief and emotional suppression: the very real and measurable harm that unprocessed emotions create within the body. 

Through research, clinical insight, and lived experience, this episode explores why emotions that aren’t felt don’t disappear they embed themselves physically, increasing inflammation, disrupting hormones, altering the gut microbiome, and raising the long-term risk of conditions like dementia, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, and cancer .

Dr. Anikó breaks down why intellectualizing feelings is not the same as experiencing them, why suppression creates lasting physiological stress, and how adaptive approaches such as cognitive reappraisal can reduce inflammatory load and improve mental resilience . 

Dr. Anikó also explores the gut–brain axis, the role of serotonin production in the gut, and the ways dysbiosis ties emotional patterns to mood, immunity, and cognition .

This episode also widens into a deeper reflection on what it truly means to live a grief-informed life one where emotions become guides rather than threats. Dr. Anikó argues passionately that emotional literacy isn’t weakness but resilience, and that allowing emotions to rise and resolve naturally creates more connection, clarity, and meaning in our daily lives .

What You’ll Learn:
• The scientific links between emotional suppression, inflammation, dementia, chronic pain, and disease
• The difference between feeling emotions and thinking about emotions
• How the gut microbiome and serotonin production respond to stress and suppression
• Why adaptive emotional strategies improve health outcomes
• The importance of a grief-informed approach to life and relationships
• How expressing emotions supports resilience, vitality, and meaningful connection

Whether you're navigating stress, grief, a disconnected relationship with your emotions, or simply want to understand the science of emotional health, this episode offers both insight and invitation. You’ll walk away with a profound understanding of why expression not suppression is essential for long-term wellbeing and authentic connection.

If the last episode cracked the door open, this one swings it wide.

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

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Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.